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#### See the CCP

The comprehensive conservation plan is provided here in portable documentformat (pdf). To see files, you need Acrobat Reader software, and it is available for free on the Adobe website.

Full CCP (2.6MB)

Project Update(565 KB)

### The CCP by Chapter

Approval Page/Tableof Contents (80 KB)Chapter 1: Introduction andBackground (179 KB)Chapter 2: The Planning Process(130 KB)Chapter 3: The Refuge Environment(1.1 MB)Chapter 4: Management Direction(614 KB)Chapter 5: Implementation andMonitoring (118 KB)Appendix A: EnvironmentalAssessment (365 KB)Appendix B: Glossary (30KB)Appendix C: Species Lists (79KB)Appendix D: CompatibilityDeterminations (20 KB)Appendix E: ComplianceRequirements (41 KB)Appendix F: Refuge Operations Needs(RONS) and Maintenance Management System (MMS) (34 KB)Appendix G: Mailing List (27KB)Appendix H: List of Preparers (20KB)Appendix I: Wildlife ResourceConservation Priority Species for the Lower Missouri River Ecosystem (37 KB)Appendix J: References (20KB)Appendix K: Comparison ofAlternatives by Objective and Strategy (123 KB)Appendix L: Response to Comments onthe Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (65 KB)

# Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Comprehensive Conservation Plan CompletedRefuge Management HighlightsThe RefugeTo Request a CopyWhere Are We in the Planning Process?

## Comprehensive Conservation Plan Completed

A planning effort that has involved neighbors, non-government organizations, localofficials and many interested citizens has concluded with the approval of thecomprehensive conservation plan for Squaw Creek NWR.

The comprehensive conservation plan is intended to outline how the Refuge will fulfillits legal purpose and contribute to the National Wildlife Refuge System's wildlife,habitat and public use goals. The plan articulates management goals for the next 15 yearsand specifies the objectives and strategies needed to accomplish these goals. While theplanned future condition is long-term, we anticipate that the plan will be updated every5 to 10 years based on information gained through monitoring habitat and wildlife, aswell as recreational usage.

## Refuge Management Highlights

      - Provide a diversity of habitats, with particular emphasis on wetlands.
      - Maintain waterfowl use day levels at a minimum of 5 million, however we will assistin international efforts to reduce the mid-continent population of Lesser Snow Geese.This will include reducing cropland on the Refuge as well as offering a spring Snow Goosehunt.
      - Maintain bottomland cottonwood forest areas in an effort to support Bald Eaglesduring fall and winter migration periods.
      - Maintain habitat that is critical to the Eastern Massassauga rattlesnake and LeastBittern.
      - Design and implement interactive programs that meet Service standards and bringexisting facilities up to Service standards.
      - Improve Refuge orientation maps and signage.

## The Refuge

Established in 1935, Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Missouri Riverfloodplain, 35 miles northwest of St. Joseph, Missouri, on I-29 in Holt County. The7,350-acre Refuge includes loess bluff hills, an unusual geologic formation caused bywind deposited soil, which holds some of the last remnants of native prairie.

The Refuge hosts a variety of wildlife, including 301 species of birds, 33 mammalspecies, and 35 species of reptiles and amphibians. Up to 200 Bald Eagles, 300,000 SnowGeese and 100,000 ducks use the Refuge as a wintering area.

Historically, Squaw Creek NWR lands have been plagued with excessive water, poordrainage and extreme siltation. Steep hills combined with intensive agriculture result inheavy silt loads in Squaw and Davis Creeks, which pass through the Refuge. Normal flowsare contained within creek beds which have been converted to ditches. Frequent floodoverflows deposit silt into the marsh areas, making them steadily more shallow.

## To Request a Copy

To request a copy of the Squaw Creek NWR comprehensive conservation plan, call theRefuge at 660-442-3187 or write to the Refuge at:U.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceSquaw Creek NWRP.O. Box 158Mound City MO 64470

## Where Are We in the Planning Process?

These are the steps that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service follows in comprehensiveconservation planning; the step that the Squaw Creek NWR has reached is highlighted:
      - Preplanning: Plan the Plan
      - Initiate Public Involvement and Scoping
      - Review Vision Statement and Goals and Determine Significant Issues
      - Develop and Analyze Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action
      - Prepare a Draft CCP and NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) Document
      - Prepare and Adopt Final CCP
      - Implement Plan, Monitor and Evaluate
      - Review and Revise the Plan

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